Democracy is simply karma at work

Politics and organised crime are not strange bedfellows in any country, but what makes a country like Thailand stand out is that it’s a norm, rather than an exception. It is well practised and celebrated, out in the open and in the face of society, rather than skeletons hidden in the closet.

To understand this relationship, which defines the feudalistic political governance of Thailand, look no further than the case of Somchai Khunploem, who is commonly known as Kamnan Poh (or district chief Poh). He has also been dubbed the Godfather of Chonburi and the Godfather of the East. 

On Sept 30, more than 200 well-wishers celebrated his 75th birthday at the Khunploem residence in Chonburi, the provincial home of the infamous Pattaya City bosses. Among the distinguished guests at the party was the provincial governor, prominent local politicians and businessmen and members of parliament.

Perhaps the most distinguished of the well-wishers was his daughter-in-law, Culture Minister Sukumol Khunploem, whose husband, Mr Sontaya, was one of the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai executives. Yes, she’s his nominee and her husband, along with over 100 other unbanned TRT executives, is eagerly anticipating a cabinet reshuffle.  

Members of Kamnan Poh’s clan hold important positions, in and out of politics. His sons also head two Premier League football clubs, with Mr Sontaya at Pattaya United FC and Mr Wittaya at Chonburi FC. His other son, Mr Itthipol, is the mayor of Pattaya.

This is a dynasty, a feudal ruling family with its own fiefdom. 

However, the patriarch is a convicted criminal, a fugitive from the law and also an accused organised crime boss; hence the birthday party was symbolic, in the absence of the birthday boy.   

Kamnan Poh has been found guilty of graft and was sentenced to five years and four months in jail. In 2004, he was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for hiring a gunman to commit murder. Somchai is reportedly hiding in Cambodia, a favorite destination for high profile Thai fugitives. 

It is good to know that the court is capable of finding powerful figures guilty, there is consolation in that. But there’s something else quite worrying. 

In a developed democracy, or at least a country aspiring to become a developed democracy, ministers, politicians and officials attending the birthday party of a convicted criminal would cause a sensational scandal. It would bring the credibility of the ruling government into question, causing the spin doctors to run circles. 

But here in the Kingdom of Thailand, it’s just another year and another birthday party. 

One may draw similarities to the case of Thaksin Shinawatra. However, some may argue that his conviction was unfair and is a result of a military coup. But the same argument cannot be said in the case of Kamnan Poh. There is no excuse here.

Let’s not fault the family for throwing the birthday party either, because he is their father, good or bad, for better or for worse. 

But the political make-up of this nation is so deeply feudalistic. These feudal dynasties are such an integral part of local and national government, on both sides of the political divide. National leaders who cry and moan for democracy have an intimate and visible alliance with these feudal dynasties.

These facts should make the Thai voters question the political structure of the nation and the credibility of those we vote for. 

However the majority of the Thai voters – on either side of the political divide – do not question this structural failing, do not demand reforms and continue to give their blind loyalty to their feudal lords. 

From national leaders to the common man on the street, our lips champion ideology, our actions worship personalities. 

Over the past six years, the many protests and the many deaths have been in the name of one person or another, but there was never a single march to demand actual political reform of this feudal political governance. 

This social mentality celebrates the most basic of Buddhist principles, karma. We reap what we sow; we get what we vote for: tortoise development, limited social mobility, incompetent leaders, the lack of accountability, the arbitrariness of the rule of law and rampant corruption, among many other failings.

Organised crime doesn’t have to buy politicians. It’s more lucrative to actually become politicians.

Thai democracy is not like a box of chocolates, we know exactly what we’re gonna get.

Share your thoughts

Discussion 1 : 11/10/2012 at 05:40 PM
Part 3 It should be much easier to focus all the rare & limited strength on one big fish, rather than chasing tails of all the small fishes; while big fishes sit and laughs. The jeopardy is, if you ain’t got enough strength to match the biggest fish, it may decide to get you instead. It takes lots of courage & strength, and good people with well organized efforts. Very hard indeed, if even possible at all.
Discussion 2 : 11/10/2012 at 05:38 PM
Part 2 But if a cop takes bribe from drug dealers for example, it is of course more clearly an unacceptable thing by most people. If you can just go for the biggest fish, and get it, then nobody will want to be the next biggest fish. If you can’t get the biggest fish, go for the 2nd biggest or so on. And nobody will want to be the next 2nd biggest and so on. (And maybe the 2nd biggest will even want to take out the biggest, so it’s not in the awkward spot?)
Discussion 3 : 11/10/2012 at 05:36 PM
here is my part1 part2 & part3, Part 1: Just forget about small fishes with corruption, you can't possibly get them all! It's in the Thai blood with the bribery thing of convenience. Why bother catching every one of the “beer-liang” stuff, it’s just peanuts going to generally low salary cops, sometimes with mouths to feed too; and in most cases involves really unintentional and sorry people making small mistake like making wrong turns at confusing and unclear corners of a road or something like that. Most Thais probably see the type of corrupt more as kind acts.
Discussion 4 : 11/10/2012 at 01:39 PM
If you read about the rise of the Triads in places like Macau,Taiwan,Hong Kong and elsewhere in South East Asia,it is much easier to understand what is really going on in Thailand. Do a simple back-ground check on the ethnicity of the leading politicians/government officials,business-people,media-owners,senior military and police personel.
Discussion 5 : 11/10/2012 at 09:19 AM
In other countries this feudal system name is: MAFIA. Democray and feudal dynasties this cannot work. We have the best example with the current gov. that is controlled from Dubai. In what other country would that be constitutional ?
Discussion 6 : 11/10/2012 at 08:55 AM
What amazes me is that there are still people who believe Abhisit is not corrupt and a better choice! Is is as corrupt as any other politician, even if it is just because he tolerates it from his friends he is a guilty as them. Moreover, he doesn't have Thailand at heart but only the well being of his friends! Neither Abhisit nor Thaksin are the solution for Thailand! Whoever believes so is blind or lying to himself! Thailand needs a strong and honest politician but either that doesn't exist in Thailand or his life expectancy is very short!
Discussion 7 : 11/10/2012 at 07:17 AM
The great tragedy of this era (error?) of Thai Democratic development is the 68% who approve of corruption are the same 68% who get to vote, which is why the more more corrupt of the two main choices is now running our country, and doing so on the basis that rampant corruption is the acceptable will of the people. You get what you vote for, that's how democracy works unfortunately.
Discussion 8 : 11/10/2012 at 06:32 AM
This is the fact of life ! This has become part of most people in Thai ways of life! What can we do about it nothing much I suppose and do we teach our younger generation to follow this habit! We know it is right and wrong ? The Thais work very similar to the British the concept of you know! For instance one in UK police chief Constable was removed from his seat because he lied to help his superior daughter to get a job in the force! from iPhone application.
Discussion 9 : 11/10/2012 at 03:00 AM
The real reason thai people accept corruption or don't complain is that they fear for their life or harassment by the perpetrator not because they all like it hence "abac poll 90% wants corrupted ppl to be put to death" from iPhone application.
Discussion 10 : 11/10/2012 at 02:36 AM
Disc #7 If corrupt public officials were executed, who'd be left to run the country?
Discussion 11 : 11/10/2012 at 02:24 AM
Very strange that people living in thailand just accept corruption like its normal ..hard to beleive that nobody step out and say thats enought we have to do someting about that...its more like some people just want to go and try to have a peice of that cake ....heheheh
Discussion 12 : 11/10/2012 at 01:26 AM
dickemery #13 Excactly my sentiment, another negative situation was, he had to partner with Newin Chidchob, the eternal turncoat, who had a different agenda, in order to be able to govern. And of course the Thai Rouge topped it off, insurrection directed from abroad. Basically Abhisit has the qualifications to run our country is my humble opinion.
Discussion 13 : 10/10/2012 at 10:38 PM
The law is there to protect society but like many things here is is just superficial window dressing for the shamelessness people get away with and the police make money from .Thanks to the poor voting in the fugitive once again the precedent has been set that a fugitive government is just fine as long as you spread the taxpayer cash around .Disgusting in the highest order .
Discussion 14 : 10/10/2012 at 10:09 PM
so evolution is basically out of the question..? even if there is some to come, probably won't change the big direction much isn't it. impossible for the change to happen through evolution.. the only possible way for change must be revolution then? but can it possibly happen..? ...
Discussion 15 : 10/10/2012 at 10:06 PM
l personally think the nation was duped in the last election and if there was a willingness to investigate, by the court of law ,the unacceptable vote buying pratices, it would be heading in a different direction ? av was the chance to steer this nation in the right and proper way,his misfortune were the world reccession ,which had a big impact on local business and he took the blame especially in bangkok votes unless something is checked this cancer will get out of control
Discussion 16 : 10/10/2012 at 09:52 PM
D#7, geoffo, Where can I find this information in print? 90% want the perps put to death?!
Discussion 17 : 10/10/2012 at 09:23 PM
Your best piece yet - every word true and on the mark.
Discussion 18 : 10/10/2012 at 09:17 PM
the best you have written since i started reading. God bless you
Discussion 19 : 10/10/2012 at 09:05 PM
D1@hyponeros - we cannot expect the current breed of politicians and political parties to reform themselves - which is the first essential step. My solution is to form an entirely new party, which excludes all former politician's, with an agenda to appeal to the silent majority of Thais. It could be as simple as - to fight corruption, nepotism and cronyism in all its forms, to run Thailand for the benefit of all Thais, to implement representative democracy and accountablity at every level from village to national government and to impliment a justice and law enforcement system which treats everyone equally and at internationally accepted levels of impartiality
Discussion 20 : 10/10/2012 at 08:53 PM
Another old adage..."If you lie down with dogs, you can expect to get fleas." One more old, tiring saying..." They have no influence on my voting. I work for the people."
Discussion 21 : 10/10/2012 at 08:30 PM
Khun Voranai , it is time for a third way ?. Look at todays Abac poll where 70% grudgingly accept corruption but 90% say those who demand bribes should be put to death. As D\1 , whats next,everyone can see the abscess.
Discussion 22 : 10/10/2012 at 08:13 PM
“We reap what we sow; we get what we vote for:” Or in other words who cares as long as there is some money to make! This is the reality!
Discussion 23 : 10/10/2012 at 07:43 PM
If you are a politician and are found guilty of whatever, in the present climate, you just call it 'politically motivated'. The more guilty, the more incentive for a ruling party to get their co-operation in return for political protection. Asavahame and the Peua Pandin party is another fine example, he showed up in China to bless the Thai temple there that he financed, in the presence of other Thai politicians, yet he was convicted in the corruption case of the century. Then of course there is the monthly Dubai exodus, shameful. Voranai is good at discussing the really disgraceful and debilitating issues this country faces, while the rest are lamely chanting 'no coup' and 'democracy'.
Discussion 24 : 10/10/2012 at 07:24 PM
There was time when Thailand's cultural acceptance of feudalism, deception and corruption would have outraged those in the West, but it's now become the norm there too where international corporations (and their lobbyists with sheaves of handouts) are increasingly seen to dominate the policies of nation states, especially in the USA. It's not just a Thailand problem, but a major global issue.
Discussion 25 : 10/10/2012 at 07:06 PM
Spot on Vorani, as you so often are. D#1 the solution lies in someone like the angel in Burma, but alas there are no such creatures here. The only thing you will ever find here is self centered, self thinking, self serving creatures with absolutely no thought or care about those they are have bought enough votes from to give them their license to rape and pillage the country. This is known as Thaimocracy.
Discussion 26 : 10/10/2012 at 06:37 PM
In ancient China if someone committed a serious crime they applied a "root stock and branch" philosophy, in Thailand to retain the metaphor they transplant the stock and fertilise the seedlings.
Discussion 27 : 10/10/2012 at 05:26 PM
Very good article, but what are the solutions?

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